Cold approaching professors to take part in research?

Hi,

I recently tried to take part in a visiting research program at a university but I could not secure a visa for it.

I am struggling to find any way to get experience as a history undergrad that can make me a more suitable applicant for jobs and masters degrees in a couple of years.

I've heard of students approaching professors for research experience but that is usually in the context of taking part in their "lab". Is there an equivalent of this for history students? Is there any way to contact professors and take part in their research projects as the equivalent of an unpaid assistant? Or is this not a thing in the humanities?

Reply 1

threeportdrift

Careers Forum Helper

Original post by hobocop

Hi,
I recently tried to take part in a visiting research program at a university but I could not secure a visa for it.
I am struggling to find any way to get experience as a history undergrad that can make me a more suitable applicant for jobs and masters degrees in a couple of years.
I've heard of students approaching professors for research experience but that is usually in the context of taking part in their "lab". Is there an equivalent of this for history students? Is there any way to contact professors and take part in their research projects as the equivalent of an unpaid assistant? Or is this not a thing in the humanities?

It's not really a 'thing', though some who need something like a large transcription of data might have roles. They'd just pin a notice a noticeboard though, and would only be looking in Faculty.

If you want experience, then volunteering/working at heritage site would be useful for sector-related experience. But any working is useful, it's the time-keeping, reliability, initiative, hard work etc that is useful, the subject matter is irrelevant.